…Making Your Life Count with Dr Humphrey Mutiti
DEMOCRACY is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, generally through ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES.
The word democracy comes from the Greek words “Demos”, meaning people, and Kratos”; meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as “power of the people” a way of governing that swings on the WILL OF THE PEOPLE. These people belong to distinct political parties and by preference, they shamelessly support their representatives. They make these preferences without any fear or arm-twisted.
Democracy, then, is not autocracy or dictatorship, where one person rules; and it is not an oligarchy, where a small segment of society rules. Appropriately understood, democracy should not even be “rule of the majority”, if that means that minorities’ interests are ignored exclusively. A democracy, at least in hypothesis, is government on behalf of ALL the people, according to their “WILL”
The idea of democracy emanates its genuine strength – and conventional appeal – from two key principles:
1. Personal Autonomy: This is the idea that no one should be controlled by rules which have been imposed by others. People should be able to make their preferences about who to be their representatives. People must never be afraid to publicly say which political party or representative they will choose.
Alas, today some hooligans from the cabbage party are coming after us when we exercise our democratic rights. They are threatening to burn and deal with us. Most times, the police can’t do their work without political interference.
The hooligans are choosing who to hire and fire. Our Democracy has turned into an Oligarchy – a small segment of people are controlling us. We need to raise and remind our representatives that this is not a Zambia we want. We need a Zambia where anyone who calls for accountability in our leaders is not perceived as the enemy.
2. Equality: The idea that we are all equal and we must all have a ‘fair go.’ We want a Zambia where political affiliations and tribal lineage will not be an issue. We are all one (One Zambia – One Nation). We are all brothers and sisters. But in our country today, some people are more equal and above the law. The rule of law is not in place. Our justice system favours those in the ruling party and those with money and power. Some people have more privileges. Some people are sacred cows that can’t be touched. Some people can say their minds and we can’t. Those of us who can’t say our minds are made to speak in proverbs. Surely, when will our democracy mature?
Finally, a famous Nigerian adage says, “Everyday is for the thief, one day is for the owner.” Zambians are not stupid. We are watching and making decisions in our hearts and minds.
One day we will exercise our democratic right. Politicians must also know that as a country, we no longer vote on tribal or political party lines, but we vote for the leadership of integrity and transparency.
God Bless You And Bless Our Great Nation Zambia!
We Can Not All Belong To One Political Party – Thursday 6th May 2021
The author, Dr. Humphrey Mutiti is a Pastor, conference speaker, instructor, and lecturer at Great Commission Theological Institute, an author of several books, has a Ph.D. Doctorate in Theology, a Ph.D. Doctorate in Ministry and a student in the school of law.
